Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has expressed confidence in his squad despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of several players. As he prepares for his first Premier League match in charge against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday, Maresca emphasized that the club is prepared for further roster adjustments before the transfer window closes.
Following a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield, the team faces a period of transition. Maresca noted that while he aims to replicate the success achieved under Pep Guardiola, he requires time to manage the significant changes currently underway at the club.
Addressing the departure of key personnel, Maresca explained that keeping players who wish to leave is difficult. He cited the exit of midfielder Rodri to Barcelona and the pending transfer of winger Savinho to Tottenham Hotspur as examples. While Savinho has expressed a desire to leave since his arrival, Maresca noted that Egyptian forward Omar Marmoush remains with the squad, though his situation is being monitored.
The manager suggested that a lack of playing time has driven many of these transfer requests. He stated that, with the exception of Rodri, the common factor among those seeking moves is that they have not featured regularly. While the club is working on potential additions, Maresca declined to comment on specific targets, including reported interest in Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
Transfer and Squad Status
- Enzo Fernandez: Maresca refused to discuss the Chelsea player, citing a lack of respect for players under contract at other clubs.
- Savinho Transfer: Reports indicate a deal with Tottenham worth 85 million pounds ($115 million), which would represent a club-record sale for Manchester City.
- Squad Availability: Matheus Nunes has returned to full fitness, and the remainder of the squad is available for selection.
Injury Update: Jeremy Doku
- Status: The Belgian winger is the only player currently sidelined.
- Injury Details: Doku sustained a calf injury during the first half of the Community Shield match last weekend.
- Recovery Timeline: Maresca expects the 24-year-old to be out for two to three weeks.
Looking ahead, after the Bournemouth fixture, Manchester City will travel to face Crystal Palace, followed by a match against Coventry and the Manchester derby at United. Maresca remains focused on the immediate task, stating that he is not concerned about the current squad composition and is working closely with club officials to address necessary needs before the deadline. The report also notes that “When the player wants to leave, then it is complicated to convince them to stay,” Maresca told reporters on Friday. The report also notes that “It happened with Rodri and the same thing is happening with Savinho. The report also notes that so now we are waiting, since day one he has come in and said he wanted to leave. The report also notes that so we will see what happens.”, he is different to Savinho. The report also notes that since day one we have been working with the club and many things can happen in the last 10 days of the transfer window,” Maresca said. The report also notes that “We know exactly what we need and then we will see over the next 10 days.”.
Important Details
- The report also notes that “First of all because I think it’s a lack of respect, and second because I don’t like when different managers talk about our players.”.
- The report also notes that “The idea with him was to play 45 minutes anyway, so the change was planned, but at the moment it looks like two or three weeks, no more than that.”.
- The report also notes that meanwhile, City are making another major sale in their post-Guardiola makeover after reaching an agreement with Tottenham for the transfer of Brazil winger Savinho.
